Man City ‘interested’ in pursuing Arsenal defender

Jason Soutar
Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares controls the ball with his chest

Manchester City have registered an interest in signing Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares, according to reports.

Tavares joined the Gunners from Benfica in the summer to provide back-up to Kieran Tierney in left-back.

He has enjoyed a positive start to life at Arsenal, coming in for the injured Tierney, even keeping his place in the starting XI once the Scot returned to full fitness.


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He was replaced by the ex-Celtic defender for Monday’s defeat at Everton, however, coming off the bench in the second half.

And surprisingly, the 21-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League champions Man City, according to ESPN.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen on strengthening in left-back as he eyes up some competition for Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The report adds that City are unlikely to move for Tavares in January, but are monitoring his progress as they could go in for the Portugal Under-21 star in the future.

The Citizens have also been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland.

Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, has named Man City as one of four clubs as possible destinations for the Norway striker.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the other potential landing places for the 21-year-old, who will be available for a rumoured £68million when his release clause becomes active at the end of the season.

Guardiola refused to comment on the Dortmund star when questioned about the matter on Friday.

He said: “Don’t ask me about Erling Haaland, I won’t answer.”

Meanwhile, Paul Merson has accused Jack Grealish of ‘looking bored’, as the attacking midfielder continues to find his feet in Manchester following his £100m move from Aston Villa.

“Jack Grealish looks bored at Manchester City,” he said in his Daily Star column.

“He’s a dribbler and he likes to take people on. When he was at Aston Villa he could do that whenever he likes. But at City it’s pass and move.

“Now he’s getting the ball half as much and he’s chasing the game.”